FREE 6th Grade Daily Language Spiral Review • Teacher Thrive - Free Printable

Let's solve each question on this 5-A-Day Language Review: Week 1 worksheet, explaining the reasoning behind each answer.

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Wednesday

#### 1. Choose the word with the connotation that best fits the sentence.
> The (odor, fragrance) coming from the garbage was unbearable.

- Answer: *odor*
- Explanation: While both "odor" and "fragrance" mean a smell, "fragrance" has a positive connotation (pleasant smell), whereas "odor" is neutral or negative. Since the smell from garbage is described as "unbearable," the correct choice is odor, which fits the negative connotation.

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#### 2. Identify the correct figure of speech. Then write the meaning on the lines below.
> The busy pedestrians mostly ignored the old, melancholy house.

- Figure of speech: ✔ personification
- Meaning: Giving human qualities to non-human things. Here, the house is described as “melancholy,” which is a human emotion, so it’s personified.

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#### 3. Sort the words gawk and gaze based on their connotation.
> Denotation: "to look at"

- + (positive connotation): *gaze*
- – (negative connotation): *gawk*
- Explanation: "Gaze" implies a calm, thoughtful look (positive), while "gawk" suggests staring in an awkward, rude way (negative).

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#### 4. What word, related to the Greek or Latin root/affix, is defined below?
> “fore” (v) - To predict or estimate in advance

- Answer: *forecast*
- Explanation: The prefix “fore-” means “before.” Words like *foresee*, *foretell*, or *forecast* all mean to predict something ahead of time. “Forecast” is the most direct match.

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#### 5. Choose the synonym for: accustomed

- Answer: *usual*
- Explanation: "Accustomed" means used to something, often implying it’s normal or familiar. "Usual" means typical or common — they are closest in meaning here.
Other options:
- *strange* → opposite
- *patient* → unrelated
- *friendly* → unrelated

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Thursday

#### 1. Circle the incorrect pronoun shift. Rewrite the sentence correctly.
> If a student feels ill they should be sent to the nurse.

- Incorrect pronoun: *they* (because "a student" is singular)
- Corrected sentence:
> If a student feels ill, he or she should be sent to the nurse.
OR (more modern usage):
> If a student feels ill, they should be sent to the nurse. *(Note: While "they" is now widely accepted as singular, traditional grammar expects "he or she.")*

- Best answer for classroom context:
> If a student feels ill, he or she should be sent to the nurse.

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#### 2. defendant → break into parts
> prefix: ______
> base or root: ______
> suffix: ______

- prefix: *de-*
- base or root: *fend*
- suffix: *-ant*
- Explanation:
- *de-* = away from, down (as in "defend" = to guard against)
- *fend* = root meaning to strike or defend
- *-ant* = one who does something (agent noun)

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#### 3. Rewrite using a possessive noun.
> tails of five foxes

- Answer: *the five foxes’ tails*
- Explanation: Possessive form shows ownership. Since the tails belong to the foxes, we use the plural possessive: foxes’.

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#### 4. Identify the type of sentence.
> I won’t go to the movies unless you come as well.

- ✔ complex
- Explanation: A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
- Independent: "I won’t go to the movies"
- Dependent: "unless you come as well"
So, this is a complex sentence.

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#### 5. Circle the definition that matches the word used in the sentence below.
> We posted a sign to alert drivers that children were present.

- Word: *alert*
- Definitions:
1. adj. Watchful; wide-awake
2. v. To warn to be ready
3. n. A warning signal

- Correct answer: ✔ 2. v. To warn to be ready
- Explanation: In the sentence, "alert" is used as a verb meaning "to warn." It’s not describing someone as watchful (adj.) nor referring to a sign (n.).

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✔ Final Answers Summary:

#### Wednesday
1. odor
2. personification – giving human emotions to non-human things
3. +: gaze; –: gawk
4. forecast
5. usual

#### Thursday
1. Incorrect pronoun: *they*
Corrected: *If a student feels ill, he or she should be sent to the nurse.*
2. prefix: de-; base: fend; suffix: -ant
3. the five foxes’ tails
4. complex
5. 2. v. To warn to be ready

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